Then came the small matter of the Champions League, the Super Cup and the World Club Cup. With other rumours of interest remaining just that, the perception grew that a highly talented player was now damaged goods. But Martin O’Neill didn’t hesitate when the prospect of signing the free agent was put to him. No side which spurns so many chances as Celtic did across both matches can reasonably expect to succeed. When you get those opportunities, you want to be able to pay back with moments of quality like that.’

Source: Daily Mail February 12, 2026 18:10 UTC